Dental Hygiene FAQ

What is an independent DH?

Dental hygienists are no longer required to work under the supervision
of a dentist. Now our certified dental hygiene clinic
provides independent oral care at much more affordable prices without
compromising on procedure quality. Services include:

Dental hygiene exams and screenings

Calculus and plaque removal

Removal of teeth stains

Dental hygiene education and counselling

And much more! Contact us for a full run-down of the oral health care services we provide.

Why should I see a dental hygienist?

Regular visits to a dental hygienist can help improve your tooth and
oral health while also increasing your overall life quality. Dental
exams and cleanings help to:

Prevent tooth decay

Protect against gum disease and tooth loss

Eliminate halitosis

Give you a healthier-looking smile

Do I need regular check ups?

While your teeth may look okay from your end, issues can be ongoing
without you realizing it. Some oral health complications also are not
detectable by the naked eye. By visiting a hygienist and having a
more in-depth examination, you ensure that everything is actually
progressing well.

A thorough hard and soft tissue is essential to prevent and maintain areas of the oral cavity.​

How to maintain oral hygiene inbetween dental hygiene appointments

We highly recommend you maintain daily dental
care habits in order to optimize your oral health. Here are several
steps you should be taking:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss or use an interdental aid at least once.

Employ toothpaste with fluoride and consult with a hygienist to see if you should be using a fluoride rinse as well.

Minimize the amount of high-sugar foods in your diet, which can cause greater plaque buildup as well as tooth decay.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are formed as a result of unchecked tooth decay, where spots
in the enamel are worn away, destroying the tooth structure. Tooth
decay happens when the teeth are exposed to sugars and starches, and the
bacterial plaque on the teeth secrete acids as a response. These acids
eat away at the enamel and can tear it down entirely if not taken care
of.

While cavities are common in children, the truth is that they can
appear in anyone’s teeth regardless of age, especially if they indulge
in a high-sugar diet. Another common cause of cavities is gum line
recession which can progress as one gets older, exposing lower portions of the teeth to
plaque. Symptoms of cavities can include hypersensitivity to cold or
heat in a particular tooth and persistent pain in the tooth. In addition, visible indicators such
as pits or holes in the teeth. To treat a cavity, it’s best to detect in early stages, otherwise the tooth decay may advance to the
point where a root canal or a more severe procedure is required to
rectify the situation. If caught early enough, a simple cleaning and
filling may be all that’s needed to eliminate a cavity. If too much of
the tooth structure is compromised, a crown may be used instead.

What is the scope of a dental hygienist in detecting a cavity?

Upon a thorough assessment of the oral cavity, we evaluate all areas of the soft and hard tissues. If we see any areas of concern, we would refer you to a dentist or specialist for further diagnosis and assessment.

What is tartar or calculus removal?

Dental tartar (also referred to as dental calculus) is
formed when plaque fossilizes on the teeth, creating a solid matrix of
bacteria above and below the gum line. This plaque initially forms as
bacteria feeds off food and drink remnants left on the teeth throughout
the day. By itself, plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease—but
when left to create dental tartar, the situation can become far worse.
Initial stages of tooth decay and gum disease, usually known as
gingivitis, can quickly advance to periodontal disease, where tooth and
bone loss become possible.

Tartar can also trap substances against the teeth, increasing the
chances of stained enamel and overall discoloration. Unlike plaque,
which can be mostly controlled by regular flossing, brushing, and
rinsing of the teeth, tartar forms a much stronger bond and can only be
removed by dental professionals (such as a dental hygienist).

Having your teeth cleaned of plaque every six months is a good
initial step to preventing dental calculus. But if tartar does form,
having a dental hygienist remove the buildup as soon as possible is wise
so further complications don’t arise.

What is plaque?

Whether you like it or not, plaque is constantly forming in your
mouth, 24 hours a day, every day. Left alone, it can cause a wide
variety of oral health issues, such as tartar deposits, gum disease, and
tooth decay. If dealt with on a regular basis, it remains a simple
matter to remove, improving your ability to keep your gums and teeth
healthy.

Plaque is a soft, sticky bacterial coating that forms on your teeth.
When it comes into contact with the sugars and starches from your food
and drink, this bacteria then secretes acids that can eat away at your
enamel and cause cavities and other dental complications. If left to
develop for too long, plaque then solidifies into a substance known as
tartar, which can then only be removed by a qualified dental hygienist
or dentist.

While regular brushing and flossing can help slow
plaque buildup, it won’t eliminate it completely. Even regular rinsing
can only impede it to a limited degree. That’s why it is vital to visit a
dental hygienist for more thorough plaque removal. A visit once every 6
months is highly recommended in order to keep your plaque under
control. A dental hygienist will be able to monitor for oral
health issues caused by plaque, such as gingivitis or periodontal
disease.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most
common types of human diseases. The signs of gum disease may include
bleeding or swollen gums. It’s an infectious condition that can result
in the destruction of gum tissue and bone. If left untreated, the
bacteria that cause gum disease may travel through the blood stream
increasing the chance of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and
pregnancy complications.

The link between oral infections and other diseases in the body is
becoming well documented and accepted within the health care community.
It underscores the importance of good oral hygiene and the role dental
hygienists play in preventing oral disease.

We accept those with Dental Insurance and those without Dental Insurance.

Our rates are helpful for those without dental insurance, and/or
a fixed income. It allows you to easily budget for your next cleaning
appointment. Those with dental coverage can effectively manage and
minimize their yearly maximum spending allowance.